I love the idea of Christmas Carols. But the reality can be more complicated, especially when you throw in the parking, the picnic baskets, the kids, the dogs and the weather. What begins as a festive fun-for-all, can quickly slide into the fun-for-everyone-else category. Here’s our Sydney Travel Guide list of the best Christmas Carols for 2025 that tick all the boxes for easy access, best organised, new-to-the-scene and ones you may not have otherwise known were on beyond the CBD and closer to your own backyard. Grab those glow-in-the-dark reindeer ears folks, it’s officially caroling time!
Carols in the CBD & Surrounds
1. Woolworths Carols in the Domain
By far the most famous Carols in Sydney each year is the Carols in the Domain, hosted by Woolworths. Known locally as the “Carols by Candlelight” this is also the event that is most popular… aka, crowds of people flock to. The bonus is that the energy here is electric and the standard of the stage performances is really impressive. The downside is that it can be overwhelming for small kids, grandparents and don’t even think about enjoying the event with a pram, or pets, or at a relaxed pace. This is the type of event where you need military precision for your organising. Get there early for a good spot, be weather prepared as you’re in the Domain, catch public transport, and save up for a seated ticket if you need to be seated upright.
Where: The Domain, Art Gallery Road
When: Saturday, December 20; 1pm – 11pm
Price: Free (seated tickets are up to $155.75)
More info here.
2. Choirs in the City: Martin Place
We love it when all the best carols in Sydney come to you! Just head towards the tallest Christmas tree in NSW for the Choirs in the City series in Martin Place and sit back for the best concert in town. Running from December 1 through to Christmas Eve, this is where the best of the best come together to perform under one roof (note, there’s not an actual roof, so wet weather plans are still needed!). The choirs start performing from 6pm until 8pm each night and then the Christmas Tree light show runs every 15 minutes from 8pm til midnight.
The schedule includes the Australian Girls Choir (December 5) Northern Beaches Chorus (December 13), Coastal A Capella (December 3), Jingle Belles (December 19), and Salvation Army (December 22-24).
Where: Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
When: December 1-24
Price: Free
More info here
3. Christmas at Sydney Town Hall
One of the best family-friendly Carols events is the City of Sydney’s Annual Christmas Concert on December 17th at Sydney Town Hall. This year, you can see a globally renowned Organist Titus Grenyer deliver another fantastic Christmas performance. Thousands of Carol enthusiasts flock to this event which caters really well to the little ones, with a children’s choir plus loads of artists, musicians and performers of all kinds.
Where: Sydney Town Hall; 483 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
When: December 17; 8pm – 9:30pm
Price: $23.47 (for adults), $18.35 (for kids)
More info here.
4. Glebe Christmas Concert
This is well known as an affordable, family-friendly event. Head to Bicentennial Park on Saturday December 6 and see host Sally Stanton along with entertainment from Spaghetti Confetti, Diver City, Tiptoe Giants, Mitch Tambo, Brown Sugar and a visit from Santa.
There’ll be free craft activities, table tennis, giant Jenga and other games for the kids (and big kids).
Where: Bicentennial Park, 5 Federal Rd, Glebe NSW 2037
When: December 6th; 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Price: Free
More info here
Carols in North Sydney
5. Balmoral Carols
Balmoral has a Christmas trick up its sleeve. The Rotunda on the Esplanade is the perfect spot for a community Christmas Carol event. Every year the Mosman Village Church hosts this iconic event, set against the sparkling bay, with plenty of lawn space for families to spread out and soak in the joyous carols of this hosted event. Top tip, there’s a free shuttle running on the night from 5pm, running between Balmoral Beach, Spit Junction and Mosman.
Where: The Rotunda, Balmoral Beach; 63 The Esplanade, Mosman NSW 2088
When: December 13; 5pm – 8:30pm
Price: Free
More info here
6. Targona Christmas Concert
Set on the idyllic Taronga Zoo Concert Lawns, the backdrop here doesn’t get any more iconic. Sydney’s skyline sparkles behind the performers, including a special guest appearance from the north pole. You might want to lighten your load and order a pre-purchase grazing box or just grab some of the hot food and drinks available for sale on the night. This frees up your hands for more photo moments as you admire the friendly wildlife on your way through to zoo. Top tip, you can also hire your own chair and picnic rug on arrival, meaning you don’t have to cart all this along with you!
Where: Taronga Zoo; Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
When: December 13; gates open from 6pm, ends at 8:30pm
Price: $43 (adults), $36 (children aged 4-15), free (children under 3)
Find more here.
7. Carols on the Common
North Ryde holds the banner of second largest Christmas Carols event in Sydney. So if it’s big you’re after, then the north is where it’s at. The Carols on the Common performance features loads favourite classic carols with singers from all over Sydney. A fantastic fireworks display rounds out the event just before 9:30pm.
Kids will be stoked with with the giant slide, the dodgem cars and stacks of other rides. Food stalls will be open on the night. Insider tip, limited parking is available on-site with a donation.
Where: Wicks Rd, North Ryde NSW 2113
When: December 14; 5pm – 9:30pm
Price: Free
More info here.
8. Carols by Candlelight at Fagan Park
Hornsby Council is hosting this event in Fagan Park and is unique in that it only shows local school choirs. Cheers for the underdogs! Families will love the kid-friendly atmosphere, and the food trucks make sure mums and dads have a stress free night. This is only a new carols event to the Sydney scene so all the support is really appreciated in its early years. There’s paid parking available on site.
Where: Fagan Park, 38-48 Arcadia Rd, Galston
When: December 13; 5pm – 9pm
Price: Free
More info here.
9. Carols By The Lake
The Northern Beaches have been running their Christmas Carols event for over 20 years with traditional Christmas carols, festive entertainment, a visit from Santa, and an impressive fireworks display over Narrabeen Lake. lakeside Park comes alive every year with pre-show entertainment from 6pm and then a sensational show from 7pm onwards. There’s a visit from Santa and fireworks to end the show.
Back for its milestone 20th year, Carols by the Lake is the signature Christmas carols concert on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Thousands of families show up to Lakeside Park each year, with pre-show entertainment running from 6pm before a spectacular show at 7pm.
Where: Lakeside Park; 39 Lake Park Rd, North Narrabeen NSW 2101
When: December 20; 6pm – 9pm
Price: Free
More info here.
Carols in South Sydney
10. Georges River Council Magic of Christmas
Kogarah is putting its tinsel on with a community Christmas Concert at the Clive James Library, Kogarah. Tito Espinosa and the Boogie Strange Community Orchestra will play hits from the 50s to today. Then there’s a collaborative Christmas Carol jam where the whole audience gets to boogie, sing, clap and jingle along. In keeping with true community spirit, light snacks will be provided. Our top tip, book ahead to reserve your spot.
Where: Clive James Library and Service Centre, Kogarah
When: December 11; 11am-12:30pm
Price: Free
More info here.
Read More
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